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THE MALTESE E-NEWSLETTER 178 August 2017

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AUSTRALIA - Queensland flag with the Maltese

Cross History of the State of Queensland flag

The state flag was first introduced in 1876 when Queensland was a self-governing British colony with its own navy.

In 1865, the Governor of Queensland was informed by the Admiralty in London that the colony's vessels of war should fly the Blue Ensign (British flag), with the colony's badge on the stern, and a blue pennant at the masthead. Other vessels in the colony's service were to fly

the same flag, but not the pennant.

At that time, Queensland did not have a badge ( https://www.qld.gov.au/about/how-government-works/flags-emblems-icons/state-badge ). This prompted the submission to London of a proposed badge design.

In 1875, the Governor received drawings of the badges of several colonies from London, which the Admiralty proposed to include in the Admiralty Flag Book. The Governor was asked to certify that the badge shown for the colony of Queensland was correct.

The badge was composed of a representation of Queen Victoria's head, facing right, on a blue background and encircled by a white band, with the word Queensland at the top.

The Queensland Government believed it would be too difficult to adequately reproduce the head of the Queen on a flag. An alternative design, a Royal Crown superimposed on a Maltese Cross, was then submitted to London.

In 1876, the Governor was advised that the Admiralty had approved of the design and it was then that the present flag was established.State badge - The badge of Queensland developed from the need to include a seal or badge in the design of the state flag ( https://www.qld.gov.au/about/how-government-works/flags-emblems-icons/state-flag ).

The badge was adopted as part of the state flag on 29 November 1876. It is officially described as "On a Roundel Argent a Maltese Cross Azure surmounted with a Royal Crown". It was designed by William Hemmant, the then Queensland Colonial Secretary and Treasurer.

It is not known why this was chosen as a suitable badge. However, it is interesting to note that a Maltese Cross is the final stop on the legend band around the Great Seal of Queensland (1859). The Royal Crown also appears on this seal.

In 1893, the badge was incorporated into the Queensland Coat of Arms ( https://www.qld.gov.au/about/how-government-works/flags-emblems-icons/coat-of-arms ).

The Royal Crown has been altered slightly since the badge was first adopted under Queen Victoria's rule, as succeeding monarchs have preferred different interpretations of the Crown.

It was last altered in 1963, after Queen Elizabeth II decided to reproduce the Crown during her reign

A LETTER OF APPRECIATION FROM THE PRESIDENT OF MALTA

Thank you so much Frank for this initiative. It is an opportunity of keeping the Maltese and their descendants in touch with their forefathers and foremothers 's land. Take care. Special regards to you and to all our brothers and sisters in Australia. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca – President OF MALTA

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THE INVASION OF GOZO 1551

OTTOMAN-HABSBURG WARS The Invasion of Gozo took place in July 1551, and was accomplished by the Ottoman Empire against the island of Gozo, following an unsuccessful attempt to conquer nearby Malta on 18 July 1551. It was followed by a victorious campaign with the Siege of Tripoli.

The island of Gozo (red), near Malta.

Malta - The Commander of the

Ottoman fleet was Sinan Pasha,

accompanied by Sala Reis and Dragut Reis. The Ottomans initially landed on Malta, at Marsamxett, and a force of 10,000 men marched upon Birgu and Fort St Angelo, but they realised that these were too well fortified to be conquered easily. Therefore, the Ottomans turned their attention

to Mdina, looting and burning the villages on the way. Meanwhile, the Knights in Mdina, under the command of Fra Villeganion, asked the people living in the villages to seek refuge in the city and to help defend it. When the Ottomans arrived they discovered a large garrison defending the city so they decided against the plan of attacking the city since they did not want to fight a long siege. Meanwhile, a relief fleet attacked the Ottoman ships anchored at Marsamxett.

Gozo - The Ottoman then decided to attack nearby Gozo, which was under the command of Governor

Gelatian de Sessa. After a few days of bombardment, de Sessa attempted to negotiate with Sinan Pasha, however the latter rejected the terms. A few days later the Citadel capitulated. About 300 people escaped from the Citadel by climbing down its walls and hid from the Ottomans. The other 6,000 people, including Governor de Sessa and the Knights, were taken captive and ended up in slavery, being sailed to Tripoli on 30 July. The

Ottomans only spared a monk and forty elderly Gozitans. A street in the Citadel named after Bernardo Dupuo.

According to legend, one of the defenders named Bernardo Dupuo (also known as Bernardo da Fonte or de Opuo) fought bravely when Ottomans breached the city walls, and killed his own wife and two daughters preferring death over slavery before he himself was killed by the invading forces. A street in the Citadel is named after him, and outside his house lies a plaque commemorating his death.

Consequences - Since few Christians remained on

Gozo, families from Malta were encouraged by the Order of Saint John to repopulate the island. However it took about 150 years for the population to reach pre-1551 levels. A few Gozitans managed to redeem themselves from slavery, such as the notable Reverend Lorenzo de Apapis, who returned to Gozo in 1551. Following the attack the Order set up a commission made up of Leone Strozzi and Pietro Pardo, who were engineers, to examine the Maltese Islands' fortifications and make suggestions for further improvements. The Grandmaster, Juan de Homedes, increased taxation and strengthened the coastal guards, the Dejma. Following Strozzi and Pardo's commission, Fort Saint Michael and Fort Saint Elmo were built to better defend the Grand Harbour. Bastions at Mdina and Birgu were strengthened, and the fortifications of Senglea were built.

The failure to take all of the Maltese Islands was also one of the causes of the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. Two other unsuccessful attacks were made on Gozo in 1613 and 1709.

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KONKORS NAZZJONALI TAL-POEŻIJA

‘MONS. AMANTE BUONTEMPO’ 2017

L-Għaqda Poeti Maltin flimkien mal-Kunsill Nazzjonali tal-Ktieb qiegħda tniedi l-

Konkors Nazzjonali tal-Poeżija ‘Mons. Amante Buontempo’ għal din is-sena 2017

1. Il-kompetituri huma mitluba jibagħtu sa tliet poeżiji kull wieħed bil-Malti, u liema poeżiji ma għandhomx ikunu itwal minn sitta u tletin vers.

2. Il-poeżiji għandhom ikunu ttajpjati fuq karta ta’ daqs A4, u għandhom jintbagħtu tliet kopji ta’ kull poeżija. Dawn il-poeżiji għandhom ikunu ffirmati biss bi psewdonomu (nom de plume).

3. F’envelop separat u ssiġillat, il-konkorrent għandu jniżżel l-isem tal-poeżiji li jkun se jieħu sehem fil-Konkors bihom, il-psewdonomu, ismu u kunjomu, l-indirizz, in-numru tat-telefown u/jew dak ċellulari u l-indirizz elettroniku.

4. Jiġu ppremjati l-poeżiji kklassifikati fl-ewwel tliet postijiet. L-ewwel poeżija tingħata €400, it-tieni poeżija tingħata €200, u t-tielet poeżija tingħata €100. Il-premijiet jistgħu ma jingħatawx jekk ma jintlaħaqx il-livell mistenni f’kompetizzjoni bħal din.

5. Il-ġurija se tkun komposta minn tliet membri: Wieħed magħżul mill-Għaqda Poeti Maltin u tnejn mill-Kunsill Nazzjonali tal-Ktieb.

6. Is-sottomissjonijiet għal dan il-konkors għandhom jaslu biss għand: Għaqda Poeti Maltin, Dr Joseph Axiaq, 50 Triq il-Lunzjata, Santa Venera STV 1024 u sa mhux aktar tard mill-4 ta’ Settembru, 2017.

7. F’envelop wieħed għandhom jintbagħtu l-poeżiji għall-kompetizzjoni u l-envelop issiġillat bid-dettalji. Ma għandux jinkiteb l-indirizz tas-sender fuq wara tal-envelop.

8. Membri fil-kumitat tal-Għaqda Poeti Maltin jew tal-Kunsill Nazzjonali tal-Ktieb ma jistgħux jieħdu sehem.

9. Ix-xogħol sottomess irid ikun oriġinali u li qatt ma ġie pubblikat kemm f’kotba/rivisti jew ġurnali. 10. Kull min jonqos f’xi waħda minn dawn ir-regolamenti jiġi skwalifikat immedjatament. 11. Wara li tagħlaq id-data għad-dħul tas-sottomissjonijiet, tkunu tistgħu tiċċekkjaw l-isem tal-poeżija

tagħkom fil-websajt tal-Kunsill Nazzjonali tal-Ktieb jew tal-Għaqda Poeti Maltin. N.B.

a) Il-Premijiet huma ġentilment mogħtija mill-fondi tal-Kunsill Nazzjonali tal-Ktieb. b) Ir-riżultat tal-Kompetizzjoni jitħabbar waqt attività speċifika matul il-jiem tal-Festival tal-Ktieb li l-

Kunsill Nazzjonali tal-Ktieb jorganizza f’Novembru. c) Dan l-avviż tal-Konkors tal-Poeżija bil-Malti 'Mons Amante Buontempo' qed jinġieb għall-attenzjoni

tal-qarrejja tan-Newsletter. Inħeġġu l-poeti Maltin fl-Awstralja sabiex jieħdu sehem. Regolamenti meħmużin ma' dan l-email. [Jesmond Sharples]

Kelma Kelma Nota Nota Pjazza Teatru Rjal - TIME Wed Aug 2nd 2017 to Mon Aug 7th 2017 at 8:30 until 10:30pm ADDRESS Malta, Victory Street, Valletta

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“How to be Maltese in an hour” is a unique comedy show written, directed and produced by The Comedy Island that is set to teach visitors to our island all about the weird and wonderful traits of the Maltese – the greatest (!) people on earth!

Why are the Maltese so loud?

Why do they eat so much? How do they handle their booze? And what are their best chat up lines?

These questions are more will be answered in the brand new side-splitting show “How to be Maltese in an hour” every Wednesday at 8pm and Sunday at 7:30pm in the heart of Valletta. Written by a London-based professional Maltese comedian, and produced by Malta’s top comedy producer, “How to be Maltese in an hour” will change your views about this tiny country, forever!

Dual/Multiple Citizenship https://identitymalta.com/ When Malta became an Independent State on 21st September 1964 it was decided that Maltese citizens should possess only the citizenship of Malta. Those adults who then possessed another citizenship had to renounce it before the 21 September 1967. Citizens of Malta who acquired another citizenship by a voluntary act lost their Maltese citizenship automatically. Minors who possessed another or other citizenships had to decide which citizenship to retain between their 18th and 19th birthday and those who failed to renounce their foreign citizenship, ceased to be citizens of Malta

automatically on their 19th birthday. Dual citizenship was introduced in Maltese citizenship legislation with effect from 1st August 1989. This, however, was limited to Maltese emigrants and the persons concerned had to be born in Malta, emigrated to another country of which they became citizens and spent at least six years emigrated in that country. Important changes to the said legislation were, however, made in the year 2000. Dual or multiple citizenship has now become the rule rather than the exception it was under the 1989 legislation. A citizen of Malta, as from 10th February 2000, can acquire and retain a foreign citizenship (or citizenships) together with his/her Maltese citizenship.

Am I entitled to hold dual citizenship? You qualify to hold dual citizenship:

A) If you are an adult citizen of Malta and you acquired a foreign citizenship on or after 10th February 2000. You may retain such citizenship together with your Maltese citizenship.

B) If you were a minor on 10th February 2000 or if you had then attained your 18th birthday but had not yet reached your 19th birthday and you possessed another citizenship apart from your Maltese citizenship. You may now hold both citizenships indefinitely.

C) If you became a citizen of Malta on 21st September 1964 or (subsequent to that date) at birth, you lost such citizenship, and you have resided abroad for an aggregate period of at least six years, then in accordance with the year 2000 changes to the citizenship legislation, you are deemed never to have ceased to be a citizen of Malta, that is, you qualify to hold dual citizenship automatically.

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If I do not qualify automatically for dual citizenship can I re-acquire Maltese Citizenship and retain it together with any foreign citizenship?

Yes you can be registered as a citizen of Malta if you became a citizen of Malta on 21st September 1964 or at birth but subsequently lost such citizenship and you do not qualify for the automatic reacquisition of Maltese citizenship as you did not spend six years abroad or because you were previously a citizen of Malta by Registration or by Naturalization (vide leaflet on ‘Acquisition of Maltese citizenship by Registration’).

If I were to acquire Maltese citizenship by registration or by naturalization, can I retain it together with my foreign citizenship?

If you are entitled to be registered as a citizen of Malta or if you were to be granted a certificate of naturalization as a citizen of Malta (vide leaflet on ‘Acquisition of Maltese citizenship by Naturalization) then, in view of the year 2000 amendments to the Maltese citizenship legislation, it is possible for you to hold your newlyacquired Maltese citizenship together with your foreign citizenship.

If I already qualified for dual citizenship under the 1989 legislation do I need to take any action under the year 2000 legislation?

If the Department for Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs has informed you in writing that you qualified to hold dual citizenship under the provisions that were in force from 1st August 1989 to 9th February 2000, you do not need to take any further action.

What documents are required in order that the department may confirm in writing that I qualify automatically to hold dual citizenship?

If you qualify automatically to hold dual citizenship (item (C) above) you are required to produce the following documents:

Your:

1. Birth certificate; 2. Father’s birth certificate; 3. Parents’ marriage certificate; 4. A certificate showing the date of acquisition of the citizenship you presently hold, if such citizenship was acquired by Registration or by Naturalization; 5. Your present passport: Maltese and/or non-Maltese; 6. Documentary evidence to prove that you have resided abroad for an aggregate period of at least six years. This should primarily consist of your passport or passports for the period/s concerned. N.B.: If you are a married woman or a widow, a copy of your marriage certificate will be required. If your husband is/was born in Malta or a former Maltese citizen, his birth certificate, his father’s birth certificate and his parents’ marriage certificate should also be produced.

If your previous passports have been lost or destroyed, you may produce one of the following documents instead:

• A residence certificate normally issued by the Immigration Authorities of the country concerned. Such certificates have been issued in Australia, Canada and Italy;

• A statement showing your annual earnings over a number of years. For example, the Canada Pension Plan Contributor statement or the Social Security Earnings statement issued by the United States authorities;

• A letter from your previous or present employer/s giving your employment history. This should include the date of engagement and the date of termination of employment;

• A confirmation of your annual contributions paid under the National Insurance Scheme of your adoptive country. For example, the statements issued in the United Kingdom by Contributions Agencies;

• Confirmation from the authorities of any school or college that you have attended. This applies mainly if you acquired the citizenship of your adoptive country during your minority;

• Any other document acceptable to our Department which proves that you have resided outside Malta for an aggregate period of at least six years.

Enquiry Forms - Persons making enquiries about dual citizenship should submit Enquiry Form A (CEA\16) for those born prior to 21 September 1964 or Enquiry Form B (CEA\17) for those born after that date. https://identitymalta.com/dualmultiple-citizenship/

Points to be noted:

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• In certain cases, additional documents to the ones indicated may be required;

• As from 16 April 2010, the Department is no longer requesting civil status certificates issued by the Public Registry of Malta in connection with a demand for the provision of a service by the Department. This Department shall obtain the necessary certificates on behalf of the enquirer/applicant.

• It is, however, the responsibility of the enquirer/applicant to furnish this Department with the correct information to enable it to acquire the required certificates. In the case of a marriage certificate, if this is already available, although one is not obliged to furnish it, it would facilitate matters, if such certificate is produced in order that a photocopy thereof may be made by the Department. In this regard enquirer / applicant is kindly requested to complete Form B, as applicable.

• Birth/Marriage certificates issued by foreign Authorities shall be provided by the applicant as well as those issued by the local Ecclesiastical Authorities when records regarding the required certificates are not available at the Public Registry.

Your attention is finally drawn to the fact that it would be advisable for you to verify whether under the citizenship laws of your country you might lose your current citizenship if you were to acquire another citizenship by a voluntary act.

It is possible to hold citizenship of two or more countries if the law of those countries allow. This is known as dual, or multiple, citizenship. People can become dual citizens automatically, or after being granted citizenship of another country. For example, an Australian citizen may automatically gain citizenship of another country through marriage, while a permanent resident of Australia may become a dual citizen by becoming an Australian citizen. Prior to 4 April 2002, Australian citizens who became citizens of another country lost their Australian citizenship automatically. Can you become a dual citizen? Australia allows its citizens to hold dual nationality. Other countries may not. To check if your country allows its citizens to hold dual or multiple citizenships, contact the embassy or consulate of that country in Australia. Using your Australian passport Australian citizens have right of entry to Australia and an Australian passport is the preferred and most conclusive proof of that right. Dual nationals should use an Australian passport to enter and depart Australia. Other current passports can be used for travel when outside Australia if desired. Citizenship and travel An Australian passport is the preferred and most conclusive proof of Australian citizenship when travelling. You will not be able to apply for an Australian passport until you have become an Australian citizen by attending an official citizenship ceremony and made the Australian Citizenship Pledge. If you travel outside Australia before your ceremony you will be travelling as a permanent resident on your current passport. See further information about travelling before your citizenship ceremony. Once you have become an Australian citizen any visa you held ceases. As an Australian citizen you must always leave and enter Australia on an Australian passport. If you also have a passport from another country you can use that for travel once you have left Australia. People trying to enter Australia as an Australian citizen but without an Australian passport face difficulties and delays. The Australian Passport Office provides more information. If you also have a passport from another country you should always use your Australian passport when leaving and entering Australia.

Citizenship information you might need when you apply for an Australian passport When you apply for an Australian passport, the Australian Passport Office (APO) must be satisfied that you are an Australian citizen. You must provide proof that you are an Australian citizen.

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Travel after Australian citizenship has ceased If you renounce your Australian citizenship while overseas you cannot re-enter Australia without a valid visa. You will automatically become the holder of an ex-citizen visa if you renounce your Australian citizenship while in Australia. This visa allows you to remain in Australia but does not allow you to re-enter Australia should you leave. You will need a Resident Return Visa if you travel overseas and intend to return to Australia. Further information on dual citizenship, Australian passports and consular assistance is available from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://smartraveller.gov.au/guide/pages/dual-nationals.aspx

MALTA'S History in music and song..and what better way is there to refresh one's memory of our 7000 year history.

Having cost thousands of euros to produce & stage in 2014 at the Convention Centre in Malta over two shows with more than 6000

people at each performance that is what this gem of a production is all about, featuring an orchestra under the direction of Maestro Paul Abela two bands one of which is Tribali a band famous in Europe, the famous & brilliant Animae Choir under the direction of Pamela Bezzina whom we know as The Gozitan Star, the Animae Choir is made up of professional singers like Debbie Scerri Nadine Axisa Dorothy Bezzina Angela Spiteri Amber Bondin Glenn Vella Josef Tabone & many more & as if that is not enough we see & hear 18 of Malta's younger generation of Artists/Singers like Errol Sammut Franklin Calleja Mark Tonna Ivan Grech Chris Grech Olivia Lewis Lawrence Grey Claudia Faniello & Ira Losco also the famous masters of song from another generation but still popular like, Renato, Catherine Vigar il-Bayzo Mary Rose Mallia & Joe Cutajar .

This is truly a two-hour show not to be missed because on the Big Screen it looks & sounds magnificent & which makes you feel as though you are within touching distance of these great Artists some of Malta's best & who make us very proud. At the very beginning of the show full respect is paid to the Prime Ministers who worked hard to make Malta what it is to-day.namely Dr George Borg Olivier Dr. Edward Fenech Adami & Mr.Dom Mintoff.

The year 2014 was a great year of anniversaries for Malta the 50th anniversary of Independence the 40th year of the Republic the 35th year of Freedom & the 10 year of Malta joining the E.U. This show this concert this production brought together the cream of Malta's Entertainers in a superb production so that together we can enjoy two hours of Malta's best talented Artists Do Not Miss It. Tickets are only $12 Adults $8 Children

There will also be a Play by the ever popular "Ic-Cittadini..For more information & tickets please ring Ring DOROTHY on 9636 1834 or Charles on 9501 5525 or Mob. 0421 662

298 or Mary on 9688 1432 or Monica on 9896 0712 We look forward to seeing you at Wenty. Leagues Club, Smith St. Wentworthville NSW on

Sunday 20 August 2017 at 2:00 pm. Charles N. Mifsud..J.P. M.Q.R.

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Watch: 'Injustice makes my blood boil,' says Maltese nun who

saves Pakistani prisoners timesofmalta.com

Sister Frances Farrugia is not one to rest on her laurels

When sister Frances Farrugia visits prisoners in Pakistani police cells to hear them out and help them access a lawyer, she makes sure to go alone.

"If their relatives are nearby I tell them to stay at home," the Dominican nun says. "I make sure my face is the only one they [the jailers] see."

Visiting Pakistani prisons, convincing lawyers to take on humanitarian cases and helping released prisoners return to their homes is hardly the sort of thing you'd expect a softly-spoken nun from Qormi to be doing. But Sr Frances is not the kind to let an injustice just slide.

"My blood boils. Injustice leaves me restless," she admits.

In this Times Talk interview, Sr Frances talks about her work in Pakistan, from helping impoverished communities access clean water and sanitation to leaping to the defence of people wrongly accused of breaching Pakistan's controversial blasphemy law.

"I go to the police station and seek permission to speak to them in person, so I can hear their side of the story myself," she says. "Then I talk to lawyers I know, and they give me legal advice which I can pass on to the prisoner."

When things go according to plan, the prisoners are declared innocent and freed. But with prisoners often jailed thousands of kilometres away from their homes, Sr Frances still has her work cut out.

"I quickly get a copy of their court documents and make sure they get on a train back to their home that same night," she says. "They disguise themselves and move on, otherwise they risk being persecuted again."

To find out how you can help Sr Frances in her work, get in touch with the Dominican Sisters in Rabat by calling 21454893

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Il-Fathers MaltISLANDS OF CATS

Among the many available cat books, "Islands of Cats" uniquely highlights the work of stray cat carers, specifically the more than 1,000 individuals in Malta and Gozo, who dedicate a significant amount of time and personal funds to the well-being of their feline stray co-citizens.

Not only do they feed the cat colonies daily and all year round, they also take the animals to the vet if

sick or injured, and, most importantly, have them neutered/spayed as young as possible. With a conservatively estimated 300,000 stray cats on the Islands, these men and women actually help control the cat population, keeping the number of this very fertile species from exploding in our sea-locked, small nation. "Islands of Cats" introduces the reader to a representative 22 of these individuals on Malta and Gozo, giving an insight to their motivation and experience. This book also tells a delightful cat story, provides vital cat facts, and outlines places of interest in the Maltese Archipelago. Indeed, an entertaining, socio-relevant photo-story book. FROM THE AUTHOR - Alexander Johnson – PUBLISHED November 2016 - "While exploring the Islands’ cities and villages, the traveller will maybe reverie pleasantly to the Islands’ idyllic past, when farmers walked their goat herds, or manoeuvred donkey drawn carts, through Malta’s narrow roads. However, awakening from the daydream, the traveller cannot help but notice a newer member of the Islands’ animal community - cats. No matter where you go, you will likely come across cats bathing in the sun, or lying in shady corners. These cats are “feral’ - the result of a domestic cat being abandoned or lost and left to fend for itself, or, especially if they are elderly, have lived their lives with a person who has passed away, and whose surviving family members have thrown the animal out. However, one will soon notice that the Maltese strays are far from starving, in fact a large majority of these street cats live together harmoniously in colonies. A closer inspection will show that they are well fed and in peak condition, with glossy fur and bright eyes. It is rare to see one which is unkept and sickly, and if one investigates even further, one will often observe ‘feeding stations’ where plates and bowls with food and water have been left for the feral cats. There seems to be an affinity between a part of the local population and the Islands’ feline citizens. These individuals who see to the cats’ needs, the importance of which is underrated, are called: carers or feeders. In our quest to find out more about these mostly shy and reserved caregivers, Gabriele and I met carers from all walks of life - housewives, business persons, lawyers, room maids and doctors, Maltese, Gozitans and foreigners - people who give up part of their daily lives to be dedicated and loyal knight-errants, sustaining and protecting their own ‘islands of cats’."

One Year Later: Stray Cat Carer Susan in Gozo The rough sea, strong winds and torrential rain on our trip to Gozo showed us the small island was taking a stormy break from its habitual dry weather and sunshine. The turbulent weather of end of 2016 was soon forgotten when we saw how pleased Susan was upon receiving her copy of Islands of Cats. Her smile and warm appreciation brightened the room as she looked at the pages. Two cats, Poppy and Pushy, entered the front door (which is always open for strays), and immediately jumped on the table as if to see if their picture was also in the book. You can read more about Susan and her years of caring for stray cats in 'Islands of Cats' on pages 97-99. The book tells the story of a representative 22 of over 1,000 stray cat carers in Malta and Gozo on 128 pages, illustrated by over 250 colourful photographs - accompanied by cat

facts, stories, interviews, and it introduces places of interest on the Islands. 'Islands of Cats' is available in English, Maltese and German, as well as E-Books including Kindle. And most of all, we donate part of the proceeds of each book sold in aid of neutering and spaying of stray and abandoned cats in the Maltese Islands. Click here to order your copy (http://www.islandsofcats.com/), and please tell your friends.

Waiting patiently for their carer to serve food.

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Sociology of the Maltese Islands

Sociology of the Maltese Islands Edited by Michael Briguglio and Maria Brown Published by Miller Distributors Date of publication: October 2016 [the book will shortly be available at https://www.agendamalta.com ] Michael Briguglio's Blog: Sociology of the Maltese Islands Sociology of the Maltese Islands, edited by Michael Briguglio and Maria Brown and published by Miller, was officially launched at the University of Malta in the past days. During the launch Minister Evarist Bartolo referred to the text as a breakthrough for evidence-based study of Maltese society. Journalist James Debono, who chaired the debate, said that the book is an accessible reader which shows the intersection between continuity and change in Maltese society. Sociologist Angele Deguara explained the important role of sociology to help inform policy

making in a context of progressive change and recurrent inequalities and contradictions. In reply to questions from the floor, Michael Briguglio explained diverse methods used by sociologists in their evidence-based research, and spoke about the commonalities and differences in the Maltese identity. Maria Brown highlighted the need for multidisciplinary approaches in the study of Maltese society and explained that all sociological methods have their strengths and weaknesses. Sociology of the Maltese Islands provides a broad sociological introduction to various areas of Maltese society currently featuring in public and scholarly debate and research. The book may be of interest to a wide range of students, including undergraduates, students at post-secondary level, as well those carrying out research at post-graduate level. Researchers, policy makers, politicians, journalists, activists and the general public may find this book useful for the provision and scholarly review of data and debates on key issues, areas and concepts relevant to contemporary Maltese society. Edited by Michael Briguglio and Maria Brown. Includes contributions by Godfrey Baldacchino. Angela Abela, Katya DeGiovanni, Joanne Cassar, Marvin Formosa, Maja Miljanic Brinkworth, Nathalie Grima, Maria Brown, Ruth Baldacchino, JosAnn Cutajar, Brenda Murphy, Marceline Naudi, Peter Mayo, Manwel Debono, Saviour Rizzo, George Cassar, Valerie Visanich, Noel Agius, Michael Briguglio, Mary Grace Vella, Silvan Agius, Helena Dalli, Ian Bugeja, Jacqueline Azzopardi, Mario Vassallo, Carmen Sammut. Chapters: Prologue, Introduction, Family Life, Childhood, Youth, Ageing, Demography, Race & Ethnicity, Class, Gender & Sexuality, Education, Work, Tourism, The Arts, Consumption & Leisure, Development, Environment, Political Parties & Social Movements, Elections, Governance & Leadership, Social Policy Poverty & Social Exclusion, Social Control Crime & Deviance, Religion, Media The Author:

Michael Briguglio is a dad, sociologist, drummer, local councillor and civil society activist from Malta. Michael has a Doctorate in Sociology, and lectures at the University of Malta. His main sociological research interests are politics, social movements, environment and social policy, and he has published research in these areas. Michael is a Green Local Councillor in Sliema and has been elected four times since 2003. He was Chairperson of Alternattiva Demokratika - The Green Party between 2009 and 2013. He is currently active in Ceratonia Foundation, which is a member of the Green European Foundation. Michael has been involved in civil society and green politics since the 1990s and was a co-founder of successful campaigns for the introduction of divorce in Malta and the Front against the golf course . He co-founded Front Harsien ODZ in 2015 and Civil Society Network in 2016.Michael is a rock drummer with Norm Rejection which he co-founded in 1994. His drumming features on various albums and EPs, most notably with Norm Rejection and Dripht. He is a weekly columnist for the Times of Malta (Monday edition).

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Where do the Maltese come from? A long-term project exploring the Maltese genome could potentially yield substantial medical benefits Teodor Reljic

One of the more interesting things to emerge from the still-

ongoing research is the fact that, contrary to popular belief, the

Maltese can boast little to no connection to a long-standing

Phoenician heritage

It turns out that the Maltese did not descend from the Phoenicians

after all, with a large swathe of the country’s DNA confirming that

we owe our roots to Sicilian settlers with a strong Arab sub-culture.

This and other striking facts have now come to light thanks to the

work of Prof. Alex Felice, Dr Joseph Borg and Clint Mizzi of the

University of Malta, who spoke to the University of Malta’s

THINK Magazine about a three-year project that aims to trace the intricacies of the Maltese genome. But

far from the kind of nationalistic jingoism that this kind of research sometimes plays into – which, in light

of Brexit, is both a tempting and dangerous meme to tap into – the researchers are basing their work on

medical data, whose ultimate aim is not to indulge in some romantic notions of the country’s past, but nitty-

gritty concerns like avoiding the spread of diseases.

Based on 25 years of research but bolstered by new technology, the Maltese Genome Project was launched

in 2015, and aims to map the genomes of 1% of the Maltese population – that’s 4,000 people – so as to pin

down rare diseases we may have inherited over time, and be in a more informed position to look into new

therapies for them. One of the more interesting things to emerge from the still-ongoing research is the fact

that, contrary to popular belief, the Maltese can boast little to no connection to a long-standing Phoenician

heritage. Trumpeted loudly back in 2004 in a National Geographic interview, the claim has seized the public

imagination but subsequent research has revealed the methodology to be faulty

Taking their cue from early results of a Y chromosome study which suggested that 50% of Maltese men may

be of Phoenician origin, researchers then sought equivalents in contemporary places – basing their work on

haplogroups in modern-day Lebanese people. Stone Age farmers in Greece, Crete and Southern Italy were

discovered to carry the same piece of DNA, as did the Maltese. However, not only was this a small imprint

– it could also have been left behind by others, such as Stone Age ancestors.

Having collaborated on a study published in the Annals of Human Genetics in 2004, Prof. Felice zoned in

on Y chromosome haplogroups found across the Mediterranean, and spotted some key commonalities.

“Data on Mitochondrial DNA [from the ongoing Maltese Genome Project] is also nearly complete but what

we have also points in the same direction [as the previous study]: that most contemporary Maltese males and

females can trace their ancestry to Sicily and [Southern] Italy around 1,000 years ago,” according to Felice,

who added that Middle Eastern DNA – including Lebanese DNA – contributed less than 5% to Maltese

DNA. Instead, Felice elaborates, it’s the influx of people from Arab-ruled Sicily to Malta at the turn of the

first millennium, which proved to be more significant. And while Count Roger II would eventually dispel

the Arab invaders and establish Norman rule, Malta’s population would continue to be filled out by Sicilians

with strong Arab connections.

“There was still a strong Arab subculture in Sicily and Southern Italy. If you go to the small villages outside

Sicilian towns today they speak very differently to modern Italians, not too different from what we call

Maltese. These people began to inhabit Malta, although there were only around 20,000 people up to 1500

AD,” Felice said.

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With the arrival of the Order of St John on the island, Felice notes that Malta then underwent a period of

unprecedented public hygiene and prosperity, which paved the way to population growth – which in turn led

to the mushrooming of a number of rare diseases. He also notes that the various peoples – usually military

groups who would stop over for a relatively brief period of time – would all leave various genetic imprints

that would deviate from the foundation – for better or worse.

The research of the Maltese Genome Project grants special attention to this kind of population growth and

the variations brought about by these ‘short stay’ foreigners, because tracing them would give us further

clues as to how to treat certain diseases. And in fact, the research into these mutations has further proven the

Y chromosome and mitochondrial DNA studies in Malta, because the same mutations were also discovered

in Sicily and Southern Italy.

Evolutionary genetics that look into our distant past rely on two genetic markers. The first is mitochondrial

DNA. This DNA is distinct from the rest of our DNA found in the cell nucleus. Mitochondrial DNA is

found in small energy producing factories known as mitochondria – if they stop working, death follows

quickly.

These are inherited only from one’s mother and only transmitted through daughters. By looking at specific

parts of the mitochondrial DNA (known as haplogroups, that remain largely unchanged over time so are

shared worldwide) researchers are able to trace ancestry through the female lineage.

The second is the Y chromosome. Human DNA is broken up into 46 chunks known as chromosomes, with

each parent contributing half. Gender is determined by two chromosomes known as X and Y. XX makes a

female, XY makes a male. The combination depends on one’s father. The Y chromosome also has

haplogroups, making it a useful genetic marker for evolutionary studies on men’s origins.

Source: THINK Magazine (April 2016) | University of Malta

Thoughts of a Maltese from Africa “Zahra, what nationality is that?” “Sounds Arabic. Are you an Arab?” “No, I’m Maltese from Tanzania.” “Where’s that? Where was your father born?” “Egypt.” “You’re Egyptian.” “I ‘m not Egyptian. I was born in Tanganyika.” “Then you’re a Tanzanian.” “I have a British passport.” Not an unusual conversation while

living in South Africa. Always in curiosity and in the manner of a good-natured ribbing, though always with a look of confusion, probably because only in the last few years had South Africans ventured north to Egypt or East Africa. Most only associated Malta with the Poodle, George Cross, or the Knights of Malta. With our Maltese heritage, my father Lewis Zahra felt it was time to visit Malta and great-grandfather Fortunato Zahra’s birthplace. There I met relatives including Prof. Charles Zahra-Neuman and Helga Apap-Bologna. My great-grandfather became Chief Engineer of Egyptian Railways, and my grandfather August Zahra, Chief District Engineer, who when the Railways were nationalised, founded the Express Bus Company in Alexandria, which soon after was nationalised by the Egyptian government without compensation. The Zahras and Debonos all migrated to Australia. Except one Zahra, my father, and one Debono, his cousin, going to East Africa! Lewis Zahra, an officer in the Royal Navy, was discharged with thanks and recognition from the Admiralty a year after World War II. He left for Tanzania, then Tanganyika, my birthplace. An incredible country and people, having the greatest wildlife areas in Africa; 31 per cent of Tanzania is a national park or game reserve.

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He worked for the British government’s groundnut scheme, later becoming a successful travel agent by profession and philosopher and diplomat by nature. Edgar Debono (related to George DeBono, MC) went to Kenya after serving with the British in World War II. He survived for some 24 years as a professional hunter having numerous encounters with dangerous game only to fall to cancer. Edgar became a legend in the safari world, always hunting on foot. He was wounded more than once and on one occasion seriously by an African Cape buffalo and lucky to survive as this is the most dangerous animal to hunt and when wounded almost unstoppable. (See White Hunters by Brian Herne) Fluency in English, French, Italian, German, Arabic and Ki-Swahili, as was my father (but without German) was typical of Maltese from British Egypt, most having a vast general knowledge which included the history and culture of many nations. The Zahras and Debonos then went “out of Egypt” into the “Maltese diaspora” around the globe. Those I met and knew of in Africa and elsewhere are proud of their Maltese heritage. Many became well known in all walks of life; others not so well known, and all just wonderful people! Those of Maltese blood from this tiny island of Malta, with its fascinating language and history going back to before the Phoenicians and Carthaginians, have by virtue of their emigration “invaded” the world and settled and prospered as good citizens. Not to romanticise a nation, their Maltese stoicism has surely helped. No wonder the George Cross, no wonder being able to stand so firmly with the Order of St John and the Knights in Malta, leading to their victory against all odds versus the wrath of the Turkish Empire who besieged this small island. Performing feats that make Rambo look nerdy, the Maltese engaged the fanatical Turkish invaders trying to swim ashore in hand-to-hand combat, armed with little more than knives, to prevent their reaching Maltese soil. A bastion of Christianity, which after the Crusades, was the thorn in the side of Islamic expansion into Europe. I “dig” my ancestry and think that Zahra is “one cool name”. Yes, I’m “Maltese from Africa”.

Miss Universe Malta did NOT try to smuggle drugs into UK Martha Fenech responds to fake news item - March 10, 2017 by Herman Grech

A report circulating the social media purporting that Malta's Miss Universe contestant has been caught trying to smuggle cocaine into the UK is nothing more than an item of fake news.

The story purporting to be the news agency Metro of the UK, claimed that Martha Fenech was arrested at London's Heathrow airport for trying to smuggle two kilos of cocaine hidden in two bags of coffee inside two suitcases.

Citing "officials", the item claimed Customs and Border Protection police officers searched her suitcases upon suspicion and found a plastic coffee bag containing white powder. It went on to say that Ms Fenech was then taken to a private search room where the officers found a second bag full of powder.

When contacted, Ms Fenech expressed shock at the fictitious item but said she was not surprised, since some other Miss Universe girls had also targetted. "Such a report can be very harmful. People who know me immediately laughed it off, but several other contacted me to know if I'm OK. Other 'girls' apparently were only happy to share the fake news item," she told Times of Malta this morning.

"This is a very serious accusation. It taints my name, it taints Malta's name," said Ms Fenech, adding that she intended to report the claim to the cyber police.

She also posted a comment on Facebook saying: "I do hope that you all realise that the current news being shared about me is completely FAKE!! Regards from Malta...not the UK."

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Classic Wine Festival Wine festival tips

A small selection of the many unique wines on show

With over 20 Maltese and Gozitan wines to choose from at the upcoming Delicata Classic Wine Festival, held at the Upper Barrakka Gardens, Valletta, from August 10 to 13, the choice can become a bit overwhelming. Yet the vast selection offers the perfect occasion to explore the

many different styles of quality wines on show, especially if you keep a few tips in mind. Firstly, I suggest visiting the winery’s informative site www.delicata.com and see how it all works and what has changed for this year’s edition. Tasting the wines remains straightforward. Just purchase a souvenir glass (which is yours to keep) together with a wine purse for €15. The wine purse comes filled with 24 wine coins which replace the customary event wristband. Handing over the correct amount of coins will prompt a wine steward to serve you a 150ml pouring. That is the standard volume you would get in most wine bars and restaurants. Secondly, I recommend you plan your way around the stalls in a ‘wine-wise and palate-friendly’ manner. Connoisseurs agree on a conventional order in which wines are best sampled and it makes quite a bit of sense to stick to it. Start with sparkling wine, drink white and pink before red, dry wines before sweeter ones and unwooded wines before bigger, bolder oaky examples. This way a wine is never overwhelmed by one that preceded it. You will receive a free festival brochure at the entrance with a detailed list of the wines and where to find them in the gardens and it also tells you how much currency each wine holds. The charge ranges from six wine coins for a glass of the flagship selections Gran Cavalier and Grand Vin de Hauteville, four coins for a serving of a wine in the Frizzante, Maltese Falcon, Medina and Victoria Heights collections to three coins for a pouring of Pjazza Regina, Classic Collection and Dolcino wines. Don’t limit yourself to only trying labels you know already because you will miss out on expanding your palate and wine horizons while you have the chance. Finally, also remember to eat and drink lots of water. There will be plenty of food dishes at the festival sold at reasonable prices. Make sure you hydrate before you start tasting and drink water in between sips of wine. This will keep your palate fresh and primed to experience all the wonderful flavours. Sample wine in moderation and enjoy the entertainment. Indeed, every evening there is a double bill of live music starting with an opening-night concert by WaterWings and Red Electrick. The Delicata Classic Wine Festival kicks off in less than two weeks, on Thursday, August 10, and will wave the flag for Maltese wine for the 16th consecutive time for four evenings until Sunday, August 13, from 7pm to midnight.

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‘Kelma Kuljum’ għax kull kelma għandha dinja warajha

www.tvm.com.mt | Rapport: Brandon Pisani

Kliem u espressjonijiet Maltin li ħafna minhom qed jintilfu, reġgħu

ngħataw il-ħajja b’inizjattiva tal-FIMBank flimkien ma’ Television

Malta li b’sensiela ta’ filmati qosra qed ifakkru f’dan u jagħtu t-tifsira

u l-oriġini tiegħu.

Dr Michael Spagnol, il-konsulent lingwistiku ta’ din is-sensiela qal li l-

idea hi li dan il-kliem ma jintilifx fl-iżvilupp lingwistiku anzi jingħata

t-tifsira vera tiegħu. Fost il-kliem magħżul għal dawn is-servizzi bit-titlu ‘Kelma Kuljum’, hemm taħlita ta’ kliem

li jintuża kuljum u ieħor li m’għadux jintuża daqshekk. “Ngħidu aħna għandna l-kelma tellerita. Kulħadd jaf xi

tfisser – xi ħadd ipaċpaċ ħafna. Imma tellerita xi tkun? U hawn nispjegaw li t-tellerita hija tajra. Bħal kelma

babaw, nafu xi tfisser imma mhux biss mostru, imma xi ħaġa tajba bħal kilt ikla babaw, u raw film babaw.

Għalhekk naqbdu dak li hu tagħna u nippreżentawhom b’mod frisk. L-enfasi hi fuq il-kliem li nużaw. Dawn mhux

kliem tal-bużnanniet imma kliem li nużaw imma ma nkunux nafu x’hemm warajhom. Kull kelma għandha dinja

warajha.”

L-uniċità tal-Malti ġejja mit-taħlita ta’ influenzi Semitiċi u Rumanzi. Il-Malti jibqa’ l-unika lingwa Semitika

miktuba bl-alfabett Latin. Għal Dr Spagnol, huwa importanti li l-kliem Malti jibqa’ jintuża. “Ngħid iva kont

nużaha dik il-kelma. U l-idea hi li tibqa’ tużaha. Tużaha ma sħabek, mat-tfal u importanti li nużaw dan il-kliem

mat-tfal.”

Iċ-Chairman tal-FIMBank, Dr John C. Grech qal li bħala istituzzjoni bbażata f’Malta, huma obbligati jgħinu biex

jitqajjem għarfien fuq il-wirt anki tal-lingwa Maltija. Il-Kap Eżekuttiv tal-PBS, Anton Attard esprima sodisfazzjon

għal din il-kollaborazzjoni biex jitkattar l-apprezzament lejn il-wirt lingwistiku ta’ Malta.

are the pigmented oranges of the Mediterranean

basin (sanguina of Spain, sanguine of French-speaking countries, and sanguigna and sanguinella of Italy). They differ in appearance from the common sweet oranges only because under certain conditions the fruit usually exhibits pink or red colouration in the flesh and juice and on the rind. The blood oranges, in general, are characterized by a somewhat distinctive flavour that is much appreciated by connoisseurs and causes certain varieties to be regarded as among the most delicious of oranges.

Most blood orange varieties appear to have originated in the Mediterranean basin, probably first in Sicily or Malta where they

have been known for several centuries. Although grown to some extent in many of the Mediterranean countries, their commercial culture is confined principally to Italy, Spain, Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. They enjoy high favour in European markets in general and are especially popular in central and northern Europe. The colouration of the full and deep blood oranges is associated with the development of anthocyanin pigments, whereas the pink and red colouration of the light blood oranges is caused principally by the carotenoid pigment lycopene. The conditions responsible for the development of the blood colouration are not well understood and may differ somewhat for the flesh and rind. We know that blood oranges have a high heat requirement but do not thrive in hot and humid environments. A sufficiently big difference between a high day temperature and a low enough night temperature especially towards the end of the growing period seems to be important. Rind colour is deepest in fruit that have grown partly shaded.

The richest flavour can be found in fruit grown at higher altitudes where the drop in night temperature is sharpest. The three main groups of blood oranges are presented below: the light blood oranges, the common blood oranges and the deep blood oranges. Maltese Blood Oranges in Australia - Maltese Blood is a heritage orange, it has a distinctive red blush across is rind and through its flesh. The fruit is uniquely flavoursome and seedy, maturing in the mid to late part of the season July-September. It’s a medium sized tree. Listed as one of the original oranges brought over on the first fleet to Australia.

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. The “inspirational” nun who still ploughs the fields at St Clare’s

monastery

www.tvm.com.mt | https://www.facebook.com/Poor-Clare-Sisters-Malta-800495443316997/

“Sister Marie Emanuel has done it again! She is an inspiration to us all!”

These were the general comments this morning by nuns at St Clare’s Monastery in San Gwann, who took to their Facebook page after they videod Sister Marie Emanuel driving a tractor and ploughing the fields to prepare for the sowing of

new life following months of drought.

The nun in this cloistered order has been living within the walls of this convent for many decades, after she had decided to dedicate her life to prayer and contemplation. In St Clare’s monastery the nuns tackle whatever needs to be done. Among them Sister Marie Emanuel, who despite her venerable age to this very day rolls up her sleeves and turns over the soil with the aid of a mechanised ploughshare, so that eventually the convent will benefit from the fruits of her labour.

There were many who reacted to this video, and who praised Sister Marie Emanuel, who has remained active and an example to many younger persons who tend to give up after the first obstacle.

Although they are members of a cloistered order, the nuns at St Clare’s monastery maintain contact with the outside world through letters and telephone calls, and also through a website and their Facebook page.

Maltese Horses

Few people know that George Washington was not only the first American president, but also the first American mule breeder - and he can thank Malta for it. In the years leading up to the Revolutionary War, trying to create a kind of super agricultural animal, he sent out a request to a few European friends for their finest stock. He received a special present from the King of Spain - an Andalusian jack named "Royal Gift," almost the first of its breed to be exported from the Iberian peninsula. The Andalucian jack donkey was famous for its size, strength and hardiness,

but Washington credited another animal for the success of his new mule. The Marquis de Lafayette, a close friend of Washington's and a general in the Revolution, supplied a different, even more obscure, kind of donkey. The Maltese jack, known primarily for its vigor and fierceness, became the other ingredient in the American Mammoth Jackstock - a breed so popular that it reshaped the farming landscape of the southern states.

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The Malta donkey was a mix of European and North African animals that was, for centuries, the main cart and draft animal of the archipelago. Today, despite its history, there are less than fifty Maltese donkeys in the world. They've been replaced by a new island equine love: the horse. Above, a man in Rabat eyes a friend's trotting pony. In the heat of a late March afternoon, we stopped at the Marsa racetracks to watch a few trotters and riders work their horses in the sun. A water truck roared around the oval, kicking up dust even as it sprayed the track to keep it from turning to powder. The horses went in easy, looping circuits, the pounding of their hooves growing and ebbing as they passed. Close by, we could hear the slight metal noise of the harness, the whir and creak of the sulky. This is Malta's most popular spectator sport. Malta is mad about horses, horse racing and horse riding. Before the British colonized the islands, horses were prized possessions, and riding was an important part of the culture. In a continuing tradition that dates back to the 1400's, an annual bareback race is held each June, reportedly a wild event. But the climate is too hot and dry, there's not much grazing land; donkeys were better suited to the temperature and were cheaper, horses remained rare. With the British came formalized racing, finer breeds and, in 1868, the Masa racetrack. What had been a fascination became an obsession.

Saddle racing grew in popularity for nearly a hundred years, mirroring the growth the sport saw back in England. But, in a historic twist, World War II destroyed much of Malta, and most of the race horses were slaughtered for food or killed during the bombing. When the British navy left, following the war, they took along the remaining thoroughbreds (and many of the best jockeys), leaving behind a country starved for races. To fill the void, Malta embraced trot racing. The ponies were less expensive and easy to keep, jockies weren't required. It's grown into a craze - the official tourism website calls it "Malta's prime spectator sport," and total attendance is supposedly

higher than at the national soccer stadium. Real horses have returned in the decades since, but ponies are still much loved. These two old men walked their steeds very slowly, having a jovial conversation.

Even in the middle of Malta's horrible traffic, navigating roundabouts and underpasses, one will find men and horses. Not only close by to the racecourse, which is now ensnared in a twist of motorway, but everywhere. Even parked outside stores. Some people actually seem to use the sulkies as a form of transportation - not much room for groceries. In Valletta or Mdina, the horses you're likely to see are of the tourist-ride variety, but even these are interesting. The small, covered carriages they pull - called "karozzins" - are unique to the islands, though I have to admit that it's difficult for

me to see why. I'm guessing it has something to do with the draping. They are generally tattered and faded, relics kept alive by pushy touts and romanticism. It's easy to see why the horse's finer lines and more noble gait have enraptured the Maltese. Donkeys just don't fit into modern Malta. The country is ever more urban, with fewer fields to plow and more roads to clomp down. Life here is a little more glamorous, less hardscrabble than it used to be. It's also a small place, and riding from one town to another (or one coast to another) seems perfectly practical. http://africathoughts.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/maltese-horses.html.

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Four bands in four concerts by the sea: Gozo Brass Festival 2017 BY GOZO NEWS

Hot summer evenings in Gozo are best enjoyed by the sea, in the hope of catching a cooling breeze. Entertainment as an added accompaniment can also be very pleasant, and over the years this has often included brass band concerts. This year, there will be a new addition to the cultural calendar, with the first edition of the Gozo Brass Festival 2017 –

with four Brass Bands playing in four concerts at Mgarr and Marsalforn Bays during the month of August.They will include three Gozitan Bands – Brass Delights, DCapitals and Brass Tubes, who will be joined by Stardust Brass from Malta. The Culture Office within the Ministry for Gozo, organisers of these concerts, said that they are promoting the traditional love for brass bands – but in a lighter mode! The programme will be as follows: Sat, 12th August at 9:00pm – Brass Delights at Mgarr Thu, 17th August at 9:00pm – DCapitals Band at Marsalforn Sat, 19th August at 9:00pm – Stardust Brass at Mgarr Sat, 26th August at 9:00pm – Brass Tubes at Marsalforn.

University of Malta B.Sc. Nursing (Hons) (Elderly Care) launched

An increase in the ageing population, requires qualified nurses in health and social care settings to be adequately prepared to provide high quality care for older adults, the University of Malta has said. This week, the University of Malta’s Faculty of Health Sciences launched its B.Sc. Nursing (Hons.) (Elderly Care) at Saint Vincent de Paule Residence, Present for the launch was Dr Michael Falzon, Minister for the Family, Children’s Rights and Social Solidarity, Anthony Agius Decelis, Parliamentary Secretary for Persons with Disability and Active Ageing, Dr Josianne Cutajar, CEO SVP, and Professor Joseph Cacciottolo, Pro-Rector for Academic Affairs.

The University said that this program of studies provides qualified nurses, with specific competencies and skills in the care of older adults, as well as with more general competencies that will contribute towards their academic and professional development. This top-up part-time evening course program spans across preventive, medical, rehabilitative and palliative aspects of care across a range of settings, including community, hospital and long-term settings. Relevant topics such as dementia, nutrition and pharmacology are addressed. Graduates of the program will obtain a degree qualification and a specialisation in elderly care nursing. In terms of career prospects this program gives graduates the opportunity to further their studies and proceed to a Master degree. The program will prepare candidates to assume roles in the care of older adults, who are living in the community, are in-patients in acute or rehabilitation hospitals, or are residing in residential/nursing homes, by caring for their biopsychosocial needs to improve their health, wellbeing and quality of life. This two or three-year program commencing in October this year, is intended for holders of the Higher Diploma in Health Science (Nursing Studies), the Diploma in Health Science (Nursing Studies) or a comparable qualification. The University remarked that St Vincent de Paule will be sponsoring a considerable number of its employees to take this course in order to encourage and support participation of nurses. Applications are now open until the 31st of August. For further information and to apply online please see here. - http://www.um.edu.mt/healthsciences/overview/UBSCHNECPEO-2017-8-O

Photograph: Left to right: Prof. Joseph

Cacciottolo, UM Pro-Rector for Academic

Affairs, Dr Josianne Cutajar, Anthony Agius, the

Dr Michael Falzon

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XAGHRA ASSOCIATION OF NSW INCORPORATED was officially formed in 2008, though it had been operating for the previous 5 years. One of its aims and objectives is to preserve the Maltese cultural and religious values and traditions. An annual dinner dance to commemorate the festa of the nativity of Our Lady, or as it is known by the Maltese, 'Il-Vitorja', is celebrated on the first or second Saturday after the 8th of September (depending on what day the 8th of September falls on).

In the past special guests of honour from Malta came to celebrate this event with us. Amongst them were Monsignor Carmelo Refalo (currently Archpriest of Xaghra), Monsignor Joseph Sultana (currently Archpriest of Gharb), Canon Michael Galea, (currently the assistant director of Arka foundation, a home in Gozo, Malta, for people with disabilities). Last year we had amongst us a very young priest, Fr. Richard Nazzareno Farrugia, who is still studying in Rome.

Monsignor Mario Grech, Bishop of Gozo, Malta, came on a pastoral visit to Australia. The Xaghra Association was asked to look after the program for NSW & a special organising committee was formed. It consisted of 3 of its committee members, members representing the community as well as the President of the Maltese Community Council of NSW. religious & social program is prepared for the visiting clergy when they come to NSW so they can outreach to the Maltese community at large. We organise fundraising trips which have taken us interstate as well as overseas.

We also go to the 'Tal-Vitorja' festa in Melbourne and celebrate with the other Maltese and Gozitans there. We thank our loyal supporters and sponsors for their continuous support, which is greatly appreciated. The association has helped missionaries, charities, not for profit organisations and individuals overseas.

Xaghra Association of NSW Inc Upcoming Events Celebrating the Assumption of Our Lady at Warnavale Sunday 13 August 2017

Bus departing Riverstone: 8:00am, B/Town:8:30 am, Greystanes: 8:40am Morning tea stop followed by lunch at Central Coast Leagues Club

Mass will be at 3:00pm, followed by procession at 4:00 pm on the church grounds and fireworks at 6:00pm. Bus leaves after fireworks finish

Celebrating Tal-Vitorja (Nativity of Our Lady) Sunday 10 September 2017 At St Mary’s Cathedral Sydney,

Bus departing Riverstone: 11:00am, Blacktown11:30, Greysytanes:11:40 am Recital of rosary 2:30 pm, Celebration of mass 3:00 pm, homily: Fr Charles Sultana Afterwards Dinner at club

Annual Tal-Vitorja Dinner Dance Saturday, 16 September 2017 Balmoral Function Centre, Balmoral Rd, BLACKTOWN

ROC-A- TAC & Giuseppe Verdi Brass Band 5 Course Meal, beer, wine & soft drinks

Guest of Honour Fr Charles Sultana (St. Lawrence Parish Priest)

Outing with Fr Charles Sultana to the Entrance Tuesday, 19 September 2017 Riverstone: 7:00am from St John’s Church Mc Collouch Street

Blacktown: 7:30am from Bus stop near Blacktown Workers Greystanes: 8:00am from Bus stop opposite Greystanes church

Stop: Morning tea (provided) Lunch: At Club Contact: Ray/Josephine Bigeni: 9627 4182, 0439 974 182, 0448 100 034 or

M. Anne Teuma: 4579 6771

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UPPER BARRAKKA GARDENS, VALLETTA

10, 11, 12 & 13 August 2017

Malta’s greatest wine event of the year is back for its 16th consecutive edition!

WORLD-CLASS VENUE WITH A VIEW - As always, it takes place over four nights at the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta from the 10th to the 13th August 2017, every evening from 7 pm till midnight. Each one of the four wine-and-joy filled evenings promises to be as magical as ever with a great line-up of wine, food and music. Balmy, starlit Maltese summer sunsets, delicious wines, great music and friendly hospitality, the Delicata Classic Wine Festival is all rolled into one.GET YOUR WINE PURSE - Wine coins will be the common currency at this summer’s Delicata Classic Wine Festival, exchangeable for glasses of delightful wines. To try the wines, all festival revellers have to do is purchase 24 wine coins in a complimentary purse and a souvenir glass (yours to keep too), all for €15.

Handing over the correct change of wine coins at the stalls inside will prompt dedicated wine stewards to pour a standard 150 ml glass of the wine on show in the clearly marked festival glass. We generously serve all wines by the glass: no tasters, no bottles. GREAT AWARD-WINNING WINES - In all there will be over 20 wines to sample. Vintages of nine Delicata award-winning brands are served from as many stalls spread along the garden’s periphery. These include the semi-sparkling Frizzantes made from the very rare native old bush vines Girgentina and Ġellewża, a selection of delectable white, red and rosé DOK Malta Medina and DOK Gozo Victoria Heights boutique wines, noble mono-varietals of the iconic flagship Gran Cavalier selection and Malta’s most internationally awarded Grand Vin de Hauteville range, including Malta’s only award-winning and super-trendy Viognier. Besides the sweeter lifestyle Dolcino and the exclusive Maltese Falcon wines, the popular lush Casella Moscato and other varietals of the Classic Collection, all three of the Pjazza Reġina wines crafted in tribute to Valletta, Europe’s Capital of Culture in 2018, will also be on show to taste. Different wines hold different currency: the charge ranges from 6 wine coins for a glass of the flagship selection to 3 coins for a pouring of other quality wines. The marked coins are valid for one night only; they may be kept as a memento. ENJOY DIFFERENT CUISINES - Live cooking stalls will be serving a tempting variety of both traditional Maltese and international dishes to tease a wide range of palates.

Maltese favourites are prepared by Maypole, Indian dishes by Gate of India and other oriental dishes by Asian House. There are also various cheese and charcuterie platters by Catermax as well as desserts to try and match. Food tickets are purchased separately inside the gardens. MUSIC TO YOUR EARS - Presenter Mireille Bonello will compere the live entertainment. Every evening there is a double-bill starting with an opening-night concert on Thursday by WaterWings and Red Electrick. The Busker and the Spiteri Lucas Band perform on

Friday, Planet Seed and The Crowns play on Saturday, and Cash & Band and The Travellers will bring the greatest wine event of the year to a close on Sunday. FAST TRACK - Delicata Privilege Card Holders (subscribing can until 08/08/17) may use the fast track facility provided they have pre-booked online through the winery’s website.

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The swift booking process is easy: just settle the standard fee of €15 online, print a copy of your booking confirmation and then, on the night, collect your wine coin filled purse and festival wine glass from the Info and Privilege Card Desk at the venue, just inside the gates of the Upper Barrakka Gardens, against presentation of your printed ticket and personal Delicata Privilege Card. Festival revellers making use of the Privilege Card fast track will not need to queue outside at the cash points of what is Malta’s most popular wine event. As a special sign of appreciation for their loyal custom and support, the Delicata Winery is surprising Privilege Card Holders with an extra little treat put in their little wine purse this year.

GET THERE WITH EASE - Getting to the gardens (Google Map) is possible from the main entrance to the right of Castille Hotel of course. But another swift way is using the Upper Barrakka Lift, linking the Grand Harbour directly to the Upper Barrakka Gardens. The journey takes around twenty-five seconds, making it the quickest way to Delicata’s Classic Wine Festival from the Valletta Waterfront and a practical alternative for cruise ship passengers who disembark at the Valletta Passenger Terminal to partake in the event. The fee is €1.00 per person, payable on your way up. The lift will be operating each night until the end of the wine festival. Private taxis also service the venue.

ENJOY RESPONSIBLY - Whilst entrance to the Festival is free, strictly no wine will be served to anyone under 17.

IL-BOCCA – THE MARBLE VALLETTA – When you are at Valletta come and relax in Il-Boċċa, a playful wooden sphere created with cutting-edge design tools. Its shape helps reduce the structure’s scale. Valletta has grand buildings with narrow streets that cannot handle large structures. Il-Boċċa was constructed in a workshop for EASA (Europe Architecture Students Assembly) 2015 Malta during which three Maltese tutors

led a team of 21 architecture students from around the world. The workshop combined several techniques. First they drew sketches which were then developed into a digital form. Modelling

software allowed easy modification and experimentation with the initial idea. This was followed by a physical 3D model (1:10 scale) to test the idea. Out of the workshop came 47 wooden boards connected together using bolts and wooden spacers. Each board consists of a double layer of 11-plywood beech sheet. One layer of each board was Computer Numerical Control (CNC) cut. CNC cutting uses computers to guide precision shaping. This layer was used as a template to handcut a second board. Each set of two was then glued and nailed together with overlapping joints to provide strength. The final product is a 3.5m loosely spherical structure providing shaded seating without obstructing Valletta’s historic views. The project will be placed in the capital city as part of Valletta 2018 Capital of Culture. The workshop was led by Kristine Pace, Danjel Attard and Sacha Cutajar (Faculty of the Built Environment, University of Malta).

Tourists approach il-Bocca, a wooden sphere providing shaded seating which was constructed by 21 architecture students

from around the world in 2015 during a workshop led by three Maltese tutors, in Valletta on May 30.